Overview
As an Assistant United States Attorney for almost a decade, Melissa prosecuted numerous significant criminal cases involving financial fraud, health care fraud, bankruptcy fraud, money laundering, violent crimes, drug trafficking, and other federal offenses. Melissa has tried eleven federal jury trials, argued seven cases before the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, drafted more than 50 appellate briefs, and litigated hundreds of motions before federal magistrate and district court judges.
Melissa also works with organizations and clients on internal investigations aiming to head off or minimize problems before they surface.
Representative Experience
Significant prosecutions include:
- Nationwide internet pharmacy scheme in which doctor, pharmacist, and others were convicted after two-week jury trial of trafficking prescription painkillers. Briefed and argued appeal before the Fourth Circuit
- $10 million fraud scheme involving 100+ elderly victims where defendant was convicted after three-week jury trial of Ponzi scheme, bank fraud, bankruptcy fraud, and money laundering. Briefed and argued the appeal before the Fourth Circuit
- $2 million health care fraud in which two defendants were convicted of defrauding Medicare after two-week jury trial. Briefed and argued the appeal before the Fourth Circuit
- Negotiated multi-million dollar settlement with pharmaceutical company and two of its senior executives for misbranding generic thyroid medication
Notable
Notable
- Legal 500 US, Corporate Investigations White-Collar Criminal Defense, 2024
News
News
Education
J.D., University of Virginia, 2003
B.A., Dartmouth College, 1999
Admissions
- North Carolina, 2005
- Virginia, 2003